IB DP Physics examines the fundamental laws governing the universe from sub-atomic particles to cosmological scales. The course blends theory, practical investigation, and applications of physics in society.
Mechanics: kinematics (SUVAT), Newton's laws, momentum, energy, power. Thermal physics: temperature, internal energy, specific heat, ideal gases. Waves: wave properties, standing waves, interference, diffraction, Doppler effect. Electricity: circuits, Ohm's law, power, Kirchhoff's laws. Circular motion: centripetal force, gravitation, satellites. Nuclear physics: radioactivity, half-life, fission, fusion.
Wave phenomena: resolution, polarization. Fields: gravitational and electric fields, potential. Electromagnetic induction: Faraday's law, Lenz's law, AC generators. Quantum & nuclear: photoelectric effect, matter waves, Bohr model, nuclear energy levels. Astrophysics option content is now integrated.
Paper 1: MCQ (SL: 30 marks / HL: 40 marks). Paper 2: structured + extended response. Paper 3 (HL): data-based and extended questions. IA (20%): individual scientific investigation (lab report, ~6–12 pages). Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours (SL) or 60 hours (HL) of practical work.
IB Physics HL is broadly comparable to A-Level Physics in content depth, though the IA and the nature of Paper 3 (data-based, cross-topic) differ from A-Level practical exams. IB SL covers less content. A key difference: IB Physics integrates astrophysics/particle physics more than most A-Level specs. The IA (internal assessment) in IB is a significant component not found in exactly the same form in A-Levels.
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